Thanksgiving

Dear Jude,
We celebrated Thanksgiving with the Meenderings and the Hofers. Jude loved every minute of time with Gma, Gpa, Aunt Sam, Uncle Nick, and Cousins Ava and Eden. When we are with our family, Jude wants NOTHING to do with Jon and I....and will request everything be done with assistance froma cooler family member. The weather was great and we spent an afternoon at the park. It was a wonderful time with family and it felt so good reflect on how much we have to be thankful for.

Hobo Day

This is horribly late, but we can't overlook posting about Hobo Day....

 My sister Julie came to town and so did our dear friends Sam, Rachel, and Greta. We ran the 5K in the morning, went to the parade, skipped the game (it was horribly cold) and finished out the day with what might be the funniest game night I have ever been part of.  I am still laughing over that Balderdash game.   Thanks Quams and Quasmans for a fun game night.

 

 

 

 

Halloween

 

 

 

Dear Jude,
You picked out your Halloween costume all by yourself this year.  We asked you what you wanted to dress up like and without hesitation your response was....."HANDY MANNY".  You borrowed a few key items from your cousin Rita and rounded up the tools you have pilfered from your dad's tool box and you were set!  We made it  to a few friends houses and although you started out shy, you didn't want to stop at the end of the night. 

Pumpkin Carving

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figured I had better get the pumpkin carving photos up before Christmas is here!  We had a great weekend in Huron just before Halloween full of fall activities.  We carved pumpkins, made apple cider, and visited the Hofer farm.  Jude got to ride in the combine with Uncle Nick.  He was trilled!  Can't wait to be back together with everyone over the Christmas holiday.

Really?

 

Guess our son likes to relax!  Love this photo and hope it brightens your Monday!

Fall Farm Day

 

 

 

Dear Jude,
We had a great day out at the Nelson farm: petting baby calfs, going on a hayride, and picking apples.  Thanks Danny, Tracy, and Wyatt for a fun day.  Jude now calls his little people farmer "farmer danny".  You are legend in our house now Danny!

Birthday Party

 

Dear Jude,

You helped me celebrate my birthday with so much enthusiasm this year.  We went on a long bike ride and played at the park with Jude.  This photo really says it all....your smile is adorable and you were so happy to help me blow out my candles and sing happy birthday. Thanks to my boys for a great day!

Highlights of Summer

 

 

 

Dear Jude,

One of my favorite summer memories was going to McCory Gardens with you and your dad. You were initially so disappointed that there was no playground equipment as your dad and I had told you we were going to a "park" without realizing that your definition of "park" is playground equipment!  You warmed up to the idea though, and had a great time running from area to area in your rain boots. Thanks boys for a fun day.   

Growing Up

Dear Jude,

Summer is over.  As your dad and I looked over photos from the summer last night we couldn't believe how much you have grown.  You really transitioned from a baby to a boy in our eyes this summer.  We can't get enough of you and are surprised daily with what you already know at the age of 2!  You are shy and have a soft heart, but are witty and a jokester when you get to know those around you.   You love to play construction and do projects with dad, try to use scissors, and do high fives. 

State Fair

Driving the big tractor with Dad

Getting comfortable on the lawn mowers with Papa

Checking out four wheelers with Dad

Coloring with Great Aunt Candy

Eating your weight in corn dogs

Dear Jude,

We took in the state fair in August with Gma and Gpa Meendering.  We spent nearly the entire time touring tractors, lawn mowers, and four wheelers.  Your dad and I got such a kick out of your excitement!  You also took in a concert with Gma and Gpa, petted farm animals in the petting zoo, and ate your fill of fair food.  Wishing I had some cheese curds right now!